Americanafest

Taking over Nashville, AMERICANAFEST transformed the city into a sprawling, five-day music scavenger hunt spanning over 50 venues and 200+ artists. The 2026 edition proved once again that the festival’s true magic isn't just who you see on stage, but how closely you're forced to interact with the music and the city itself.

Nashville’s unique infrastructure — its clubs, historic rooms, neighbourhood bars, and deep bench of working musicians — once again proved why this festival thrives here. Music isn’t an attraction in Nashville; it’s the operating system. That’s why AmericanaFest can stretch across dozens of venues without losing its identity.

AmericanaFest thrives in Nashville because the city itself is built for musical serendipity. The festival doesn’t rely on giant stages or corporate spectacle — it leans on the character of the rooms, the musicians who inhabit them, and the way audiences move through the city like pilgrims.

The festival kicked off in fine style with the BMI rooftop opening party, stunning citywide views accompanied by free food and drinks. Great sets by Meels and her band and Hayes Carll with his big singalong choruses.

The evening continued at Basement East with Derek Hoke's recreation of Roy Orbison's Black and White night, featuring many special guests including Chuck Mead, Robin Hitchcock, Patrick Sweeney, Niki Bluem and Nicole Atkins. Atkins stole the show with her stunning rendition of the big O's 'Crying'. Incredible performances all round.

Another great feature of Americanafest are the sun-drenched day parties and Conference and panel discussions.

Highlights this year included Bernie Taupin being interviewed by Brandi Carlile, Jerry Swampdog Williams being interviewed by Eli Paperboy Reed and a Premier showing of the film Bobby Rush King of the chittlin' circuit including interview and performance by the great man himself.

On Wednesday night, as the centrepiece of AMERICANAFEST 2026, the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards show transformed this sacred hall into a masterclass in American roots music. Spanning nearly four hours, the evening managed to balance reverent legacy with forward-looking discovery. It was a celebration of genre-defying artistry, showcasing eve The evening opened not with a slow build, but with a wall of sound. In a remarkable kick-off, members of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers took the stage alongside Chris Stapleton. Stapleton, who's gravelly, soul-drenched vocals are tailored for the acoustic perfection of the Ryman, fronted the legendary rock outfit through a three-song set.

Ranging from fiery rock collaborations to quiet, vulnerable acoustic solos. Other notable performance included Robert Plant, Molly Tuttle and The Milk Carton Kids.

2026 Key Award Winners
Album of the year - Molly Tuttle
Album Of the year - "Snipe Hunter" by Tyler Childers
Group of the year - Gillian and Dave Rawlins
Song Of the year - "Returning to Myself" by Brandi Carlile
Emerging Act of the year - Ken Pomeroy

At Brooklyn Bowl, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs delivered a clinic in unvarnished American rock 'n' roll. Joined by Margo Price for a raucous encore, Campbell proved that the lineage of heartland rock is alive and kicking. They were followed by Rival Sons’ frontman Jay Buchanan, whose blues-drenched, soaring vocal range commanded the room.

American Legion Post #82 in East Nashville, Sun Records hosted an afternoon gathering that felt like a backyard barbecue with legendary guests. Duane Betts delivered a stripped-back, acoustic set that showcased his fluid guitar work.

Over at The Basement East, Wynonna Judd delivered one of the undisputed highlights of the festival. Flanked by a formidable band featuring her husband on drums, Judd’s set was equal parts arena-level soul and intimate banter. Bringing out guests like The War and Treaty and Iron & Wine's Sam Beam, she closed with an earth-shaking cover of Led Zeppelin’s "Rock and Roll" that left the room stunned.

The best two Shows of the week were undoubtedly Chest Fever recreating The Bands Last Waltz for its 50th anniversary including an incendiary vocal performance by John Latham On Van Morrisons 'Caravan' and Emily West and friends honouring Dolly Parton. It featured a line-up of Nashville singer-songwriters including Emily West, Wendy Moten, Maia Sharp, Caitlin Evanson, Twinnie, Lindsay James, Laura Lamb, Hannah Dasher, and others.

Emily West has a track record of hosting Dolly Parton tribute shows at 3rd & Lindsley—she hosted a similar event in June 2025 titled "Celebrating 79 Years of Dolly Parton," which was described as two sets of Dolly's music spanning 17 albums from 1966 to 1999 Every singer and interpretation was stunning!